As part of an expanding investigation into alleged abuse and hostile work environments, the New Orleans City Council is now focusing on another major concern: the deteriorating condition of city-owned buildings.
For many city employees, the buildings they report to each day are riddled with problems like leaking ceilings, mold, broken plumbing, rodent infestations, and poor ventilation.
These aren’t just cosmetic issues; workers say the physical decay reflects years of neglect and a workplace culture that has ignored their well-being.
"You just show up everyday and wish for a change. What happened last week in the municipal traffic court being closed due to electrical issues, that's like the third time it's happened," one city employee told us. "I have to go into several city buildings daily, and what I can tell you is that all of them need major renovations."
According to this longtime city worker, there's been little to no meaningful action taken. In some cases, requests for repairs have been unanswered, or problems temporarily patched before reappearing.
"I hope the council does something about it."
Despite the difficult conditions, this employee says she and her co-workers are hopeful that this latest investigation may finally lead to lasting improvements.
"I love my actual job and the people I work with. I just want the environment to be enjoyable too," she says.
NOPD recently moved out of the police headquarters due to the building falling around them. The NOPD evidence room made national headlines after the conditions there were exposed, including rats eating the drugs.
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